Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2001–2005 car dimensions: 4638 mm long, 1840 mm wide and 1820 mm high. Unladen weight is 2,210 kg. Braked towing is 3,500 kg.
The cabin has automatic climate control with sun sensor and dust filter as standard, plus rear vents and controls. Electronic cruise control is standard. A 5-inch LCD display with touch controls handles audio, climate and the DVD navigation system that is standard on the ML 500. Parktronic ultrasonic parking sensors are optional. Leather seats with power adjustment are standard.
Cargo volume is 633 litres behind the rear seats and expands to 2020 litres with the 60/40 split rear seats folded. A cargo cover and floor tie-downs are fitted.
Braked towing capacity reaches 3500 kg with unbraked at 750 kg. Payload is 720 kg. A Class III trailer hitch is available as an accessory to use the full rating. The permanent 4MATIC system with low range supports light off-road or trailer work.
The ML 500 cabin has standard leather upholstery and 8-way power front seats with heating. Automatic climate control includes rear auxiliary vents and a heater. Burl walnut trim and Bose audio complete the layout. A power tilt/sliding glass sunroof is optional via package.
Premium unleaded gasoline required
EPA estimates 14 mpg city and 17 mpg highway
Standard ABS, Brake Assist, ESP and 4ETS
Dual-stage front airbags, side airbags in all doors and head-protection curtains
Euro NCAP four-star adult occupant rating
The 5.0-liter V8 runs on premium unleaded fuel. Brochure figures list 14 mpg city and 17 mpg highway.
A Flexible Service System tracks maintenance needs. Follow the indicated intervals for oil and filters at an authorized center.
Safety equipment includes ABS, Brake Assist, ESP, 4ETS traction control, dual-stage front airbags, door-mounted side airbags for front and rear, and head-protection curtains. The model earned four stars for adult protection in Euro NCAP testing.
Keep the vehicle with scheduled services. Basic and powertrain coverage runs four years or 50,000 miles.
Length 4638 mm, Width 1840 mm, Height 1820 mm, Wheelbase 2820 mm (M-Class 2001–2005)
Sources: manufacturer data, 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class USA brochure, auto-data.net.